Credit, security, debit cards and the like with buttons

ABSTRACT

A card is provided, such as a credit card or security card, that may transmit information to a magnetic stripe reader via a magnetic emulator. The emulator may transmit the information in order to reduce the amount of circuitry needed to emulate a particular block of information. Additionally, for example, one or more buttons may be included on the card. Buttons may be includes, for example, to provide a control interface to navigate through various options of the card. Additionally, coding schemes may be selected via buttons. Furthermore, a card may be locked until a private number is entered into a card or a number may only be generated (e.g., displayed and/or emulated) once a particular private number is entered into a card.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 61/016,491 filed on Dec. 24, 2007 (Docket No. JDM/019PROV), 61/026,846 filed on Feb. 7, 2008 (Docket No. JDM/019PROV2),61/027,807 filed on Feb. 11, 2008 (Docket. No. JDM/020 PROV), 61/081,003filed on Jul. 15, 2008 (Docket No. D/005 PROV), 61/086,239 filed on Aug.5, 2008 (Docket No. D/006 PROV), 61/090,423 filed on Aug. 20, 2008(Docket No. D/007 PROV), 61/097,401 filed Sep. 16, 2008 (Docket No.D/008 PROV), 61/112,766 filed on Nov. 9, 2008 (Docket No. D/009 PROV),61/117,186 filed on Nov. 23, 2008 (D/010 PROV), 61/119,366 filed on Dec.2, 2008 (Docket No. D/011 PROV), and 61/120,813 filed on Dec. 8, 2008,all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to cards such as payment and security cards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A card is provided, such as a credit card or security card, that maytransmit information to a magnetic stripe reader via a dynamic magneticcommunications device such as a magnetic emulator or a magnetic encoder.The emulator may transmit the information serially, for example, inorder to reduce the amount of circuitry needed to emulate a particularblock of information (e.g., payment information).

One or more buttons may be included on the card. Buttons may beincluded, for example, to provide a control interface to navigatethrough various options of the card. Additionally, coding schemes may beselected via buttons. Furthermore, a card may be locked until a privatenumber is entered into a card or a number may only be generated (e.g.,displayed and/or emulated) once a particular private number is enteredinto a card. Such a number may be, for example, a dynamic credit card,security card, and/or debit card number or other number (e.g., securitycode).

A card, or other device, having a magnetic emulator may take the formof, for example, a credit card, debit card, and/or security card.Accordingly, the dynamic information may be a dynamic credit cardnumber, a dynamic debit card number, and/or a dynamic security number. Adisplay may be provided to display the data, or a portion of the data,communicated through an emulator. In this manner, a credit card may beprovided that includes a display. All, or a portion of, a credit cardnumber may, for example, be changed periodically and displayed on thedisplay. Similarly, this changed information may be emulated via aparallel or serial emulator or other dynamic magnetic communicationsdevice (e.g., a magnetic encoder).

A dynamic magnetic communications device (e.g., magnetic emulatorsand/or encoders) may be located next to one or more magnetic stripesegments (e.g., sandwiched between two magnetic stripe segments from abirds-eye perspective of a card). A magnetic stripe may be utilized totransmit static information such that power is conserved. For example,if the beginning bits of a data block must take a particular form (e.g.,start bits followed by user identification information) then thisinformation may be embodied as a magnetic stripe. A serial or parallelemulator or encoder may then be provided to communicate the remaininginformation of the block (e.g., dynamic credit card number).

Numerous types of structures may be utilized to determine when aread-head of a magnetic stripe reader is reading, or is about to read, amagnetic stripe or dynamic magnetic communications device. Suchstructures may be utilized to turn a magnetic emulator, ON and OFF. Byonly turning an emulator ON when the emulator is in the proximity of amagnetic stripe reader, power may be conserved. For example, a buttonmay be provided on a card, or other device, such that a user may providemanual input to instruct the card, or other device, to turn an emulatorON.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles and advantages of the present invention can be moreclearly understood from the following detailed description considered inconjunction with the following drawings, in which the same referencenumerals denote the same structural elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of process topologies constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a personal electronic device constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows card 100 that may include a display that may displaydynamic number 110, which may be utilized, for example, as a credit cardnumber or as part of a credit card number (e.g., with a static portionof a credit card number that proceeds dynamic number 110). Personsskilled in the art will appreciate that a dynamic number may take anyforms such as, for example, a dynamic credit card number, a dynamicverification code number, and/or a dynamic security code number. Forexample, card 100 may include a dynamic credit card number and a dynamicverification code (e.g., a 15 digit credit card number and a 4 digitverification code or a 16 digit credit card number and a 3 digit code).

Identification information 120 may be provided on card 100. Accordingly,for example, a dynamic number may be provided for a particular period oftime according to a coding scheme for that particular period of time.Thus, the identification information, time, and dynamic information maybe transmitted via manual entry of that information (e.g., through apayment information input process on an online store) or via a magneticemulator (e.g., through an in-store magnetic stripe reader). A remoteserver may receive such information and verify whether the dynamicinformation is correct for particular identification information and aparticular period of time. A remote server may look at particular partsof a payment number (e.g., a static portion of a payment card number)and may determine whether another part of that payment number (e.g., adynamic number) is valid for that particular part for a particularperiod of time. A number, or portion of a number, may be changed basedon use (e.g., as a result of a user pressing a button or a read-headdetector determining the presence of a magnetic stripe read-head).

Input buttons 130-139 may be provided such that manual input may bereceived and processed by card 100. Manual input buttons 130-139 may beutilized in a variety of ways. For example, an individual may be issuedwith a private personal identification number (PIN) to turn the card ONand/or to activate a feature. Thus, buttons 130-139 may be utilized toconfirm that the individual issued the card is utilizing the card andits various features. In doing so with a credit card, for example, theamount of fraud associated with physical card theft may be minimized.Accordingly, a dynamic credit card number may be generated (e.g., coded)upon successful entry of an appropriate PIN. Additionally, for example,manual input keys 130-139 may be used to navigate through a list ofoptions or initiate features. For example, button 130 may turn card1000N/OFF. Button 131 may turn display 110 ON/OFF. Button 132 may turnan emulator located on card 1000N/OFF. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that a credit card number may be coded based on time andtransmitted with an identification number to a verification server. Inturn, the verification server may decode the number based on time andidentification number to verify, for example, a credit card transaction.

Card 150 may include button 160 which may, for example, be in the formof an aperture. For example the aperture may be defined in material 171and may include sensors 172 to 173 to determine if a user presses aroundthe aperture. Accordingly, a person pinching the aperture with twofingers may cause an electrical connection between sensors 172 and 173via the skin of two fingers touching via the aperture. Accordingly, forexample, pinching may result in the recognition of the activation of abutton while just touching one side may not cause the activation of abutton. In doing so, the number of times a button may become active byaccident (e.g., while in a user's wallet) may be decreased.

Card 200 includes buttons 231-240. Buttons 231-140 may be alignedvertically or horizontally (e.g., with respect to the bottom of a card)or, for example, substantially in a block or circle.

Card 250 may include buttons 271-275, which may be aligned, for example,in the shape of a directional up-down/left-right pad with a centralizedbutton. Accordingly, buttons 271-275 may be used to navigate through alist of options. Accordingly, for example, display 260 may includemultiple lines of alphanumeric text and buttons 271-275 may be used tonavigate through the test. Additionally, a personal identification codemay be provided and may be entered via buttons 217-275 (e.g.,‘A-B-B-D-E-A’ may be entered to turn the card ON or turn a feature ON.

Card 300 may be included with buttons 310-319. Buttons 310-319 may alsobe associated with digits 0-8, respectively. Another button may be addedand associated with, for example, digit 9 such that a digit-based keypadis provided. A digit may be pressed multiple times in succession suchthat alphanumeric data may be entered. Button 310 may be utilized torequest a new card. In pressing button 310, or any button, informationrepresentative of this request may be displayed so that the informationmay be entered online or transmitted through a reader via a magneticemulator. The receipt of such information may cause the desired actionto occur (e.g., a new card may be sent).

Button 311 may be pressed to display and/or emulate identificationinformation associated with the user of the card (or allow a user toLOGIN/LOGOUT of the card so that multiple users can utilize the card).Button 312 may be used to unlock the card. For example, button 312 maybe pressed, then a personal identification code may be entered, thenbutton 312 may be pressed again. If the correct personal identificationcode was entered, for example, then a feature (e.g., card unlocking) mayoccur. A process may, for example, include determining if button 312 ispressed and the entrance of a correct personal identification codewithout, for example, determining a subsequent entry of button 312. Sucha process may, for example, allow a user to expedite entry of a personalidentification code. If a user enters an incorrect personalidentification code, for example, nothing may happen or the user may beprompted, via the display, to re-enter the code. After a particularamount of time waiting for the next manual input for a code, theprocessor may return to looking for the first manual inputrepresentative of a correct code (e.g., after 5 seconds). After anincorrect code is received, a processor may return to looking for theentry of the first manual input representative of a correct code (e.g.,the first button of an appropriate code). Moreover, for example, aparticular number of codes entered in error may permanently lock thecard or may lock the card until a period of time has passed (e.g., 5minutes). Button 313 may be added to present the 1800 number for thecard on the display. Button 314 may be utilized to show, as well asmagnetically emulate the a dynamic number (e.g., the dynamic credit cardnumber for a period of time and for a particular person). Button 315 maybe utilized for to lock a card. Button 316 may be utilized to transmit,for example, an emergency alert such as an alert that the card is aboutto be stolen or someone is in trouble (and may, for example, betransmitted upon swiping of a card). Button 317 may be utilized todisplay/magnetically emulate battery status. Button 318 may be utilizedto turn the card ON/OFF. Persons skilled in the art will appreciatethat, for example, additional information (e.g., alerts, batteryinformation, card replacement requests) may be communicated asdiscretionary data in communicated payment information or may becommunicated in a separate information transmission. Similarly, suchinformation may be embedded in non-discretionary data information incommunicated payment information.

Card 350 may be utilized. Buttons 360-368 may be provided. Buttons 360,363, and 366 may each be associated with a different coding scheme.Pressing button 360, 363, and 366 may cause a number (e.g., credit cardor security number) to be generated differently. Thus, for example, acompany may issue security cards and may associate different buttonswitch different levels of security or may rotate between the codingschemes or may allow for a new coding scheme to be used if a codingscheme is compromised. Button 361 may be utilized to upload informationat upload locations (e.g., upload new software). Accordingly, circuitrymay be included to receive information from a swipe.

Button 364 may be utilized to destroy a card (e.g., burn outcomponents). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that thefunctions of various buttons may be triggered autonomously uponparticular determinations of a processor. For example, a processor maydetermine that someone is trying to break through the casing of acomponent (e.g., a memory) and may autonomously burn out components orperform other tasks (e.g., erase memory) as a result of thedeterminations. A processor may write information to a memory when theprocessor detects an fraudulent attack on a card by, for example,erasing a portion of data (e.g., payment card number(s)), erasing all ofthe data, or changing the data (e.g., replace a payment card number witha number indicative of a fraudulent activity) on a memory.

Button 367 may be utilized to show time (e.g., the current time) on adisplay. A clock may be provided on card 350 such that time may be kept.Such a clock may be provided with its own battery such that the clockmay continue to keep track of time even when, for example, a processoris OFF. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a card may be ONwhen the card is delivered to a user but that a processor may be in ahibernation mode. Accordingly, for example, an ON/OFF button (or anunlock code) may wake that processor out of such a hibernation mode.

Button 363 may be utilized to record (e.g., store in memory), display ona display, and communicate through a dynamic magnetic communicationsdevice (e.g., a magnetic emulator or encoder) a location of the card ora history of locations of a card. Accordingly, for example, a locatingdevice (e.g., GPS receiver) may be provided on a card. A transmitter maybe provided that may communicate a signal that multiple remote receiversmay receive (e.g., mobile phone base stations) such that the location ofa card may be determined (e.g., via a triangulation process).

Button 365 may be utilized to change the unlocking preferences (e.g.,change a personal identification code). For example, a user may beprompted to enter the user's current personal identification code, thenbe prompted to enter the user's new personal identification code, andthen be prompted to confirm entry of the user's new personalidentification code. If the two new personal identification codes match,then, for example, the personal identification code for a user may bechanged. A card may be provided with a default personal identificationcode. Button 368 may be utilized on turn a card ON/OFF.

FIG. 4 shows card 400 which may include buttons 410-418. Button 410 mayinclude a calorie tracker such that a user can enter in calories he/sheeats per day. Thus, whenever a card is swiped via a magnetic stripereader, or otherwise communicates data to a card reader or device, thecalorie information may be entered into a database which can be utilizedto populate a webpage (e.g., a calorie tracker webpage).

Button 413 may be utilized as a medicine tracker (e.g., to track thetype and number of pills taken). Information may be displayed on display401 that a user may enter such that the information may be associatedwith information entered by a user. For example, display 401 may providean alphanumeric word “A342F2432S” that may be associated with, forexample, 100 calories for breakfast and 300 calories for lunch on Dec.12, 2007. This word may be entered on a website such that theinformation associated with the word may be used to populate the website(e.g., the calorie tracker).

Button 416 may be used to display identification information (e.g., nameand phone number of card user). Accordingly, for example, someone thatfinds card 400 may press button 416 to determine the owner of card 416as well as other information (e.g., phone number and email address).

Button 411 may be used for payment. Accordingly, for example, a paymentnumber may be displayed on a display (along with additional payment datasuch as a payment security code). A dynamic magnetic communicationsdevice (or other device operable to communicate to a card reader) mayalso transmit information that includes such a payment number andadditional payment data.

Button 414 may be used for security (e.g., an online login).Accordingly, for example, a user may press button 414 and may beprovided with a code (e.g., an access security code) such that the usermay enter particular portions of a website (e.g., a webpage associatedwith a user's banking account). Such an access code may be displayed toa user such that a user may enter the code into a keypad at a lock suchthat the lock is opened upon received of the correct code. Similarly,such an access security code may be, for example, communicated via adynamic magnetic communications device (e.g., a magnetic emulator ormagnetic encoder) as well as other reader communications devices (e.g.,RFIDs and IC chips such as EMV chips). Such codes may change based ontime or based on use (e.g., every time button 414 is pressed by a user).

Button 417 may be used to magnetically emulate information by holdingbutton 416 such that data may be communicated via a magnetic emulator toa magnetic stripe reader. For example, button 410 may be pressed andthen button 417 may be pressed to emulate information associated with acalorie tracker. Button 412 may be used, for example, to turn card4000N/OF and/or UNLOCK/LOCK card 400. Button 415 may be utilized as anemergency alert (e.g., a panic button). Accordingly, for example, astudent may press emergency button 415 and swipe his/her card into amagnetic stripe reader and the appropriate authorities (e.g., police)may be alerted of the magnetic stripe reader, and its location, fromwhich an emergency was initiated (and the identity of the person thatinitiated an emergency. In this manner, a police button, firefighterbutton, and ambulance button may be utilized.

Alternatively, for example, a doctor button, a nurse button, or a foodbutton may be utilized for hospital cards. Button 418 may be utilized todisplay information on display 401 while the button is pressed.Accordingly, for example, calorie tracker 410 may be utilized and thenbutton 418 may be pressed to display information associated with calorietracker 410.

FIG. 4 shows card 450 that may include, for example, buttons 461-469.Button 461 may be used to display, as well as magnetically communicatevia a magnetic emulator to a magnetic stripe reader, schoolidentification information. Button 462 may be utilized to display, aswell as communicate through a dynamic magnetic communications device,school credit information. Button 464 may be utilized to display, aswell as communicate through a dynamic magnetic communications device,website login information. Button 467 may be utilized to displayemulate, for example, time information. Button 466 may be utilized toshow alerts that are received. For example, a receiver may be includedin a card that may receive wireless alerts. Accordingly, for example,students may be alerted of a school-related risk/danger/information(e.g., bomb threat, fire, or school cancelled due to snow) and may beshown this information via display 451. Button 451 may be utilized toshow, for example, the most recent alert and/or scroll through alerts.Button 469 may be utilized, for example, to turn card 4500N/OFF and/orUNLOCK/LOCK card 450.

FIG. 5 shows flow charts 510, 520, and 530. Flow chart 510 may include,for example, step 511, in which private input (e.g., privateidentification information) is received. This information may beconfirmed, for example, in step 512. Additionally, confirmation of thecorrect private number may turn a card ON (e.g., allow information to bedisplayed/emulated) in step 513.

Flow chart 520 may be included. Step 521 may be provided, in which, forexample, private input is received for a particular feature. This inputmay be confirmed in step 522. Accordingly, for example, a feature may beturned ON in step 523. Flow chart 530 may be included. Step 531 may beprovided, in which input indicative of a particular coding scheme isreceived. A number (e.g., website login and/or credit card) may be codedor generated (e.g., from a hash table associated with a particularinput) in step 523. The coded, generated, and/or retrieved informationmay be displayed and/or communicated through a magnetic emulator in step533.

Flow chart 540 may be provided and may be utilized, for example, inconjunction with a medical card and medical information retrievalsystem. For example, medical information may be stored on the memory ofa card. Such medical information may be, for example, a user's height,weight, eye color, blood type, previous medical conditions, previousmedications taken, current medical conditions, current medicationstaken, allergies, doctor contact information, as well as contactinformation for an emergency contact person.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a user may controlaccess to the user's medical information by, for example, keeping themedical information in his/her pocket and under his/her control at alltimes. (e.g., similar to the protection afforded to car keys and housekeys). In the case of an emergency (e.g., a car accident), firstresponders may look for the user's medical card in order to gain accessto the user's medical information. Such a medical card may take the formof, for example, an identification card (e.g., a driver's license orpassport). A sticker may be placed on a card or device (e.g., a mobiletelephone or identification card) stating that a user has a medical cardin his/her wallet (e.g., as well as the location of the card such as onthe left-hand side of the wallet). A medical card may, for example, betaken by a first responder and may display a passcode for the responderto enter onto a website in order for the responder to obtain the user'smedical information. Identification information may be permanentlydisplayed on the card (e.g., printed or embossed) and thisidentification may be entered into a website along with a user.Instructions for accessing the medical information may be printed orembossed on a card or other device. Such an access security code may,for example, change based on time or use (e.g., press of a particularbutton or particular buttons). A first responder may be prompted by awebsite, for example, to enter in a responder's username and passwordsuch that the responder can be identified as a responder that may accessthe medical information of a user. Medical information stored on aremote server may include, for example, pictures (e.g., of a birthcertificate and bodily parts at various times), x-rays, medical reports,as well as any other type of medical information. A medical card mayalso store such images and other data.

Flow chart 540 may include, for example, a card (or other device)providing a medical access code in step 541. Step 542 may be included,in which a medical access code is verified (e.g., on a remote server).Step 543 may be provided, in which medical information for a user may beprovided as the result of the verification of a correct access code. Anaccess code may be, for example, a five, six, seven, or eight digit code(e.g., “834699”). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a cardmay include, for example, medical information. Such medical informationmay be displayed, for example, by a user pressing a particular button.The information may be scrolled left/right as well as up/down using thesame button or additional buttons. For example, a first line of data maybe “Blood Type: B” and a second line of data that can be scrolled downto using a button may be “Allergies: None”

Flow chart 550 may be provided. Step 551 may be provided, in which auser may go to a website or a graphical user interface on a device andenter in his/her emergency medical information. Such information may be,for example, pre-populated with the websites prior knowledge as to theuser's emergency medical information. Such information may be changed bya user. The entry of medical information may take many forms. Forexample, the entry of medical information may be done through theselection of options. For example, a user may be provided with a list ofallergies and may select those allergies that apply to a user. A usermay then, for example, generate a code in step 552. Such a code may be,for example, associated with the particular combination of selectionsthat user made. A user may then, for example, enter this code intohis/her medical card using buttons on that medical card. In this manner,the medical card may include data on a memory that may recognize thecode and may display, at a user's request, the medical informationassociated with that code (e.g., step 554). Accordingly, for example, auser may customize and update his/her payment card without having toconnect the user's payment card to a computer (e.g., via a USB port). Acard may wait for a request for emergency medical information (e.g.,step 555) and may provide the emergency medical information as a resultof receiving the request (e.g., step 556).

FIG. 6 shows card 600 which may include buttons 611, 614, and 617.Button 611 may be utilized for virtual attendance. A user may pressbutton 611 and transmit identification information (e.g., eitherwirelessly or via a magnetic emulator) to a server such that attendancemay be recorded. Similarly, button 614 may be utilized to provide avirtual answer to a question. For example, button 614 may be pressed, abutton associated with answer “B” may be pressed, button 614 may bepressed again, and then a card may be swiped and information associatedwith the answer transmitted (e.g., via a magnetic emulator) to a serverfor further processing. Buttons 621-625 may be utilized, for example, toenter responses into a card so that the responses may be displayedvisually or communicated via a magnetic emulator.

Card 650 may be provided with buttons 670-679 and 681-686. Button 681may be utilized, for example, to display medical information on adisplay of card 650. Button 682 may be utilized, for example, to prompta processor on card 650 that a code associated with medical informationis about to be entered.

Button 683 may be utilized, for example, to provide (e.g., via adisplay) a code for accessing a user's online medical record. Button 684may be utilized, for example, to communicate information (e.g.,insurance information) in one format to a particular hospital thataccepts that format. Button 685 may be utilized, for example, tocommunicate the same information (e.g., the same insurance information)in a different format to a different hospital that accepts thatdifferent format. Button 686 may be utilized to turn a card ON/OFF.

FIG. 7 shows card 700 that may include, for example, one or more ICchips 730 (e.g., EMV chips), RFID antennas 720, processors 740, displays750, dynamic magnetic communications devices 810 (e.g., magneticencoders and/or magnetic emulators), batteries 760, and buttons 751 and752. Additional circuitry 798 may be provided which may be, for example,one or more oscillators or emulator driving circuits. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that button 751 may, for example, be utilized bya user to select one encryption algorithm for a number displayed ondisplay 750 while button 752 may be utilized by a user to select adifferent encryption algorithm. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that the components of card 700 may be provided on eithersurface of a card (e.g., a front or rear surface of the card) or insideof a card. A logo (e.g., of a card issuer) and logo may be provided oneither surface of a card.

A button, such as button 751, may be utilized, for example, to display anumber. Such a number may be, for example, encrypted from a securenumber based on time or use. For example, one-time use numbers (e.g., apayment number or code) may be retrieved from a list of numbers onmemory each time button 751 is pressed and displayed on display 750. Aprocessor may only go through each number once on a list. A registrationprocess may be provided in which a user may be requested to enter in asequence of numbers such that a remote server may validate the card andlearn where in a sequence of a list a card currently resides. Numbersmay be repeated on a list or may only occur once on a list. All of thenumbers available by the length of the number may be utilized by thelist or only a portion of the numbers available by the length of thenumber may be provided by the list. A secret number may be encrypted ona card and a verification server may also have knowledge of this secretnumber. Accordingly, the remote server may perform the same encryptionfunction as the card on the secret number and verify that the resultantencrypted number is the same as the resultant encrypted number on acard. Alternatively, for example, the remote server may decrypt thereceived encrypted number to determine the authenticity of the encryptednumber and validate an activity (e.g., validate a security accessrequest or a purchase transaction).

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate, for example, that a card mayinclude an IC chip (e.g., EMV chip), RFID, and a dynamic magneticcommunications device (e.g., a magnetic emulator or encoder). The sameinformation may be communicated through, for example, any number of suchdevices (e.g., a dynamic magnetic communications device, RFID, and anEMV chip). A central processor may cause each device to communicate theinformation (in the same format or a different format). Each componentmay have its own processor or driving circuitry. Such individualprocessors or driving circuitry may be coupled to a central processor.An EMV chip may be utilized, for example, to provide control signals toother devices (e.g., circuitry driving a display as well as a dynamicmagnetic communications device). Such an EMV chip may receive signalsprovided by one or more buttons to determine, for example, that aparticular button, or sequence of buttons, was pressed by a user.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a read-head housing mayinclude, for example, multiple read-heads. A read-head detector may,more generally, detect a read-head housing and, in doing so, detect aread-head.

FIG. 8 shows card 800 that may include, for example, signature area 810that may include a material operable to receive marks from a pen (e.g.,a signature). Card 800 may also include, for example, displays 820 and830. Display 820 may, for example, display a payment number whiledisplay 830 displays a security code (e.g., for online purchaseauthentication). Display 820 as well as display 830 may be utilized onthe same side as, for example, dynamic magnetic communications device810.

FIG. 9 shows personal electronic device 900 which may be, for example, aportable telephonic device, portable media player, or any type ofelectronic device. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that thefunctionality of a card may be provided on a personal device anddisplayed through a graphical user interface. Personal electronic device900 may include, for example, user inputs 940 and display 910. Virtualcard 920 may be displayed on display 920. Display 920 may be atouch-sensitive display such that, for example, virtual button 930 maybe provided on virtual card 920. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that cards may be provided as virtual cards and a user mayinteract with such virtual cards in order to provide a variety offunctions. Personal electronic device 900 may communicate to a cardreader such as, for example, an RFID reader.

A display may be bi-stable or non bi-stable. A bi-stable display mayconsume electrical energy to change the information displayed on thebi-stable display but may not consume electrical energy to maintain thedisplay of that information. A non bi-stable display may consumeelectrical energy to both change and maintain information on the nonbi-stable display. A display driving circuit may be provided, forexample, for a bi-stable display (or a non bi-stable display). Such adisplay driving circuit may step-up a supply voltage (e.g., 1-5 volts)to a larger voltage (e.g., 6-15 volts) such that a bi-stable display maychange displayed information. A controller (e.g., a processor) may beutilized to control such a display driving circuit. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that a display may be configured to displaynumerical data or alphanumerical data. A display may also be configuredto display other indicia (e.g., the image of a battery and its remaininglife).

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a dynamic magneticcommunications device (e.g., a magnetic emulator or magnetic encoder)may be fabricated, either completely or partially, in silicon andprovided as a silicon-based chip. Other circuitry (e.g., drivingcircuitry) may also be fabricated on such a silicon-based chip. Aprocessor, such as a processor for controlling a magnetic communicationsdevice, may be, for example, a programmable processor having on-boardprogrammable non-volatile memory (e.g., FLASH memory), volatile memory(e.g., RAM), as well as a cache. Firmware as well as payment information(e.g., dynamic numbers) may be, for example, communicated from aprogramming device to a processor's on-board programmable non-volatilememory (e.g., a FLASH memory) such that a card may provide a variety offunctionalities. Such a processor may also have one or more power-savingoperating modes, in which each operating mode turns OFF a different setof circuitry to provide different levels of power consumption. One ormore power-savings modes may turn OFF, for example, one or more clockingcircuitry provided on a processor. An Application-Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC) may also be included in a card or other device toprovide, for example, processing, dynamic magnetic communications, aswell as driving capabilities.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the presentinvention is not limited to only the embodiments described. Instead, thepresent invention more generally involves dynamic information. Personsskilled in the art will also appreciate that the apparatus of thepresent invention may be implemented in other ways then those describedherein. All such modifications are within the scope of the presentinvention, which is limited only by the claims that follow.

1-2. (canceled)
 3. A payment card comprising: a first button; a secondbutton; a third button; a fourth button; a fifth button, wherein saidfirst, second, third, fourth, and fifth buttons are aligned horizontallywith respect to one another within a single plane; and a display fordisplaying a portion of a credit card number.
 4. The payment card ofclaim 3, further comprising a battery.
 5. The payment card of claim 3,further comprising a processor.
 6. The payment card of claim 3, furthercomprising an electronic device operable to communicate information to amagnetic stripe reader.